Alumni Speak June 2016: Nutrition Industry

Morgan State Alumnae, Class of 2006 with a degree in Nutrition Science. Following her Bachelor’s Degree, Diana started Nourish Family in 2009.

Dr. Glenda Lindsey

Brief Bio:

Dr. Lindsey has always had a passion for Nutrition. As Morgan State Alumni Class of 1993, she took full advantage of the opportunity to advance her knowledge in this multi-trillion dollar industry by majoring in Biology while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Morgan State University. Dr. Lindsey then attended Coppin University where she received her Master’s degree in Adult Education and returned to Morgan State to receive her Doctorate in Public Health. Dr. Lindsey started “Inspiration Factory” in 2014.

G: Has always been told that she is a very inspiring person. Also she wants to inspire people to be cognizant about their weight, weight gain/loss, attitude towards your weight. Inspiration Factory abbreviated is “I.F.” which is a reflection of an inspirational poem her mother always told her about inspiring others.

D: “Wanted my company to be bigger than me” Just starting out, Diana wanted to focus on the health of families. A family of services that are provided, also the strong focus on family health inspired the company name “Nourish Family”

Individual: In the minority community, it is difficult because they don’t see the necessity of nutrition. In addition to the financial obligation of paying the dietitian for their services and consistency after the first visit. “In nutrition it’s all about the follow up” “People who are older are more compliant and they always come for a follow up visit”

Organizations: Not as difficult as the individual consumer, it’s just finding the organization that needs the services.

D: “Accepting insurance at the practice was a very good business decision” “The majority of people who need her services, don’t have the funds to pay” so accepting insurance is convenient.

Has never paid for advertising gets clients usually through referrals.

Needs to be credentialed with every major insurance company individually.

Major successes/developments

G: Newly established relationship with the Impact Hub that gives her the platform to reach out and educate children in the Baltimore community. In addition to her growing relationship with the Head Start program.

D: Fast growing team of employees, 2 newly opened office locations in Baltimore

Major challenges

G: Going into organizations to establish more youth programs in nutrition and public health, pursuing her doctorate while trying to run her company

D: Balancing administrative work with field visits, marketing services, manage social media/blog posts (wants to hire a social media intern), time management, growing the network.

G: Believes Act is awesome and convenient. Also serves as an advocate for the Maryland Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advocated for Medicare to pay for preventative services at Capitol Hill.

D: Thinks the Act is fantastic whereas it has increased insurance payments for nutrition counseling. The Affordable Care Act has allowed more individuals to get seen by Diana because their insurance plans can now be accepted.

Healthy Food Tips for Summer cookouts:

G: Emphasize fruits and vegetables at cookouts. “Eat in moderation” Have salads as well as hotdogs/hamburgers. “You need food for nourishment, eat but eat in moderation”

D: Diana serves as a member of a number of nutritional practice groups such as: Nutrition entrepreneurs practice group, mastermind group full of other dietitians and Rebecca Bister has served as a mentor.